HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

Have a question or you just miss us all here at HOBY South Dakota? We are always looking to catch up with our numerous alumni or answer any question you may have. Most answers can be found in our FAQ questions below our form here. If you are unable to locate the answer you seek, please fill out our General Inquiry form below and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Please allow a couple business days for us to respond.

LOOKING TO VOLUNTEER WITH US?

Welcome! We are always seeking exceptional individuals to join our fun and crazy group of volunteers and help with this outstanding program. If you are interested in offering your time, dedication and service to HOBY South Dakota, drop us a line or jump over to our Volunteers page and see what opportunities we have available and shoot us an application.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Let us answer all those important questions

HOBY FAQs

The 2019 South Dakota Youth Leadership Seminar will be held June 6-9, 2019 on the campus ofDakota State Universityin Madison, SD. The program is 4 days long and you must be present for the entire seminar, including overnight (lodging is provided).

Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from all HOBY events. There is a nominal fee to register a student to attend our three- or four-day leadership seminar, but the benefits the student receive far outweigh the cost to attend.

For additional students attending, there may be an additional fee. Each September, all high schools in the U.S. are invited to register sophomores to attend. Ask your school counselor or principal what the selection process is for your school.

To be exposed to important ideas, including opinions that may differ from your own

To interact one-on-one with decision makers in education, government, business and other professions

To jump in and discover more about issues impacting you and your community

To be challenged to be a person who succeeds in making a difference to improve your community

To be challenged to commit to 100 hours of volunteer service in the next year to help make your community stronger, any way you believe you can

To make new friends who are also committed to making a positive difference in this world

To get less sleep than you’d like

And to have more fun than you ever expected!

Also, you should NOT expect to be told what to think or to coast, cruise, or let others dothe work. From the moment you attend a HOBY program, you will be treated like a leaderand encouraged to think critically about a wide range of issues that impact yourlife and the world.

HOBY participants will be assigned to dorm rooms on floors reserved exclusively for HOBY. A few weeks prior to the event, your planning committee will provide instructions on what you need to bring. Participants of all HOBY programs will receive nutritious meals and have an opportunity to inform us of any special dietary considerations prior to the event.

Absolutely!HOBY programs have a minimum of one adult (21+) for every 12 students at all times. Students are neverleft unattended or allowed to walk across campus or the seminar site without supervision.

We discourage having parents present during HOBY programs. This encourages the students to find their own voice and step out of their comfort zone. You may have your child call you to check in via their personal cell phone or public phone. However, phones must be turned off during sessions.

For emergencies, you will receive a contact number to reach HOBY personnel in your program materials. Check-out will be at the end or conclusion of the days activities.

HOBY has strict rules against hazardous activities and use of drugs, tobacco, etc. Students are closely supervised at all times. Most programs have a nurse or EMT on staff for illnesses and emergencies. You will be required to sign a medical release so any required treatment at a local facility is not delayed.

Due to liability issues, HOBY cannot organize car pools or provide transportation to or from the seminar. However, you are free to contact other area schools to arrange for shared transportation with their participants.

HOBY can be a life changing experience for the students who attend. They have been exploring various topics related to leadership and service. They helped run the program by moderating panels, introducing speakers, and holding discussions on the various topics.

They have met students from all over your area who are also future leaders and had an opportunity to question current local business and community leaders. They will most likely be exhausted and exhilarated at the same time and may not have much of a voice left!

You may have dropped off a shy, quiet child. You will probably be picking up an outgoing, ambitious young adult. Encourage your child to share his/her experience at HOBY, as well as pursue what he/she hopes to accomplish as a result of her experience.

GET INVOLVED WITH HOBY SOUTH DAKOTA!

Every year, more than 4,000 men and women throughout the country commit their time, energy and talents to planning and executing HOBY’s programs. Volunteers make a significant impact on the lives of HOBY participants, while also having an opportunity to reevaluate their own life goals and objectives, share their experiences, and have fun!

Want to see the impact of HOBY firsthand? Get involved as a student, school, parent, alumna/us, volunteer or supporte.